IN BRIEF / PHARMACEUTICALS

FDA Says Novartis Drug Ad Is Misleading

U.S. regulators told Novartis to discontinue a print ad that allegedly overstated the benefits of irritable bowel drug Zelnorm and omitted important safety information.

The ad did not mention the drug's name but effectively promoted Zelnorm, the Food and Drug Administration said in a letter to the company. The ad overstated the drug's benefits by implying complete relief within three days, the FDA said. The ad also implied that the drug cures irritable bowel syndrome, which it does not, the agency said.